Copper-iron-zirconium alloy having improved properties and a method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

A copper based alloy and method for the manufacture thereof having improved properties. The copper alloy contains iron and zirconium with the iron being present as a uniformly dispersed second phase of the dispersoids. The dispersoids have a mean particle size of from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron. The iron is present in the amount of from about 0.25 to about 5.0% by weight.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A spray cast copper base alloy having improved resistance to thermal softening, comprising: a coalesced multitude of droplets, each said droplet consisting essentially of:   copper; and   iron and zirconium, said iron being present as a uniformly dispersed second phase of dispersoids, said dispersoids having a mean particle size of from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron, said iron being present in the amount of from about 2.0 to about 5.0% by weight.   
     
     
       2. The spray cast alloy of claim 1 wherein zirconium is present in the amount of from about 0.05% to about 0.50% by weight.